What a luminous dawn, the day a remote point on our coastline became an essential part of the nation’s history.
 
What an epic morning, when 81 men and their illustrious leader anchored the dream of Martí, following the only possible route to our true freedom.
 
What a tremendous awakening that December 2, 1956, when the Granma expeditionaries landed with the energy of Maceo, the resistance of Gomez, the irrevocable will of Cespedes... absolutely sure of a dignified future for Cubans.
 
There, an area covered in mangroves known as Los Cayuelos, about two kilometers from Las Coloradas, in Niquero - after their exile and a dangerous seven-day journey from Mexico - the young revolutionaries made the decisive move, committed to a future of justice and sovereignty for Cubans. Fidel led the way.   
    
No storm at sea, no icy water or muddy mangrove could undermine their resolute conviction to be free or become martyrs.
 
Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces were founded on the same date of the legendary landing, 65 years ago today.
 
Inspired by the expenditionaries’ example, 82 young Cubans from around the country are today re-enacting their arrival, when once again the dawn announces that our ship, our nation, is on course, sailing in the waters of freedom.